Yashica FX-3 FX-7

(Super 2000)

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(posted 3-30-02)

* This manual contains the instructions for both the Yashica FX-3 Super and FX-7 Super. However, the
illustrations used in it are those of the FX-3 Super with a Yashica ML 50 mm F1.9 lens. The procedure is
exactly the same for both models, and when equipped with other interchangeable lenses.

CONTENTS
Description of Parts 6
Mounting and Dismounting the Lens 10
Battery Installation 12
Film Loading 16
Setting the Film Speed 22
Focusing the Lens 24
Shutter Speed and Aperture 28
Exposure Setting 30
Taking Pictures 34
Film Rewinding 36
Exposure Compensation 38
Bulb Exposure and Infrared Photography 42
Using the Self-Timer 44
Flash Photography 46
Depth of Field 50
Camera care 52
Specifications 56


DESCRIPTION OF PARTS
1. Exposure Counter
2. Film Advance Lever
3. Shutter Release Button
4. Shutter Speed Dial
5. Film Speed Ring
6. Shutter Speed Index4www.butkus.org
7. Flash-Ready Signal Contact

8. Direct X Contact
9. Accessory Shoe
10. Lens Mounting Index
11. Film Rewind Crank
12. Film Rewind Knob
13. Grip
14. Lens Release Button
15. Self-Timer Lever

16. Aperture Ring

17. Focusing Ring4www.butkus.org
18. Aperture/Distance Index




<Mounting the Lens >First, remove the camera body cap by turning it counterclockwise. Then align the red
dot on the lens barrel with the
Lens Mounting Index on the camera body, fit in the lens and turn it clockwise until it locks in place with a click.

<Dismounting the Lens>
While pressing in the Lens Release Button, turn the lens counterclockwise as far as it will go, then pull it out
toward the front. Once the lens has been dismounted, be sure to put the lens front cap and rear cap on the lens
and the body cap on the camera's lens mount to protect them.


While mounting and dismounting the lens, do not touch the lens glass and the inside of the camera.

If you are changing the lens with film in the camera, take care to prevent light from entering the inside of the
camera.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

Two 1.5 V alkaline batteries (LR44) or 1.55 V silver-oxide batteries (SR44) are needed to provide power for the
camera's exposure meter.
1. Remove the Battery Compartment Cover by turning it with a coin.4www.butkus.org

2 Insert the two batteries inside the battery holder with the plus ( +) side facing up as shown, then replace the
holder in the compartment and tighten its cover.


< Battery Check >
Check the batteries with the LEDs in the viewfinder. If an LED (red or green) turns on when the Shutter
Release Button is pressed halfway in, the batteries are in good condition. If no LED turns on, they are exhausted
and must be replaced. Be sure to replace the two batteries at the same time.

Because the batteries are used to power only the exposure meter, the camera operates even if they are exhausted
or there are no batteries in it.

<Battery Precautions>
Silver-oxide batteries will last about one year, and alkaline batteries about six months. However, their service
life differs depending on their capacity at the time of purchase, the ambient temperature, and how often you take
pictures.

Generally, the battery performance decreases temporarily at low temperatures (under about 0C). When taking
pictures in cold weather, it is recommended to use new batteries and warm the camera before shooting. The
batteries affected by cold temperatures will function properly again if they return to normal temperature.

Before installing the batteries, wipe both poles clean with a dry cloth because poor contact may result if they
are soiled.

If you are carrying your camera on a long trip, bring spare batteries with you.

Never put batteries into fire or try to disassemble them because it is dangerous.


FILM LOADING
Use 35 mm cassette film. Always load and unload film in subdued light (never in direct sunlight).

1. Open the Camera Back by pulling the Film Rewind Knob all the way out.

2 Install the cassette in the Film Chamber and push down the Film Rewind Knob. If it does not return smoothly
to its original position, push it down while twisting it back and forth.

3. Pull out the film tip and insert it into any one of the slots in the Take-up Spool.


4. Operate the Film Advance Lever slowly to advance the film. Make sure the sprocket teeth catch the
perforations and close the Camera Back.


5. Fold out the Film Rewind Crank and turn it gently in the direction of the arrow to take up film slack.

<Film Advance Lever>
By turning the Film Advance Lever as far as it will go, the film will advance one frame and the shutter will be
cocked at the same time. Unless it is fully turned, the shutter will not trip.


6. Wind the Film Advance Lever and depress the Shutter U Release Button. Repeat this operation until the
Exposure Counter shows "1". The film is advancing properly if the Film Rewind Knob turns while you wind the
Film Advance Lever.

<Exposure Counter>
The Exposure Counter will advance each time the Film Advance Lever is wound, and return to "S" when the
Camera Back is opened. It is engraved with the letter "S" and the numbers 1, 4, 6, up to 36. The
2

SETTING THE FILM SPEED
numbers 12, 20,
4 and 36 are marked in orange to indicate the end of film on commercially available films.4www.butkus.org
re, it is important to set the film speed correctly. The speed of the film you are using is
printed on the film box.
To obtain correct exposu

To set the film speed, lift up the Film Speed Ring and turn it until the desired ASA speed comes opposite the
index mark (^).


T

he ASA speed settings on the Film Speed Ring are as follows
ocusing is done with a split-image focusing center, microprism collar and a surrounding matte screen.
FOCUSING THE LENS
ne in split-image
center fall in line. If the two segments are not aligned, your subject is not in sharp focus.
F

<Focusing with the Split-Image>
Turn the Focusing Ring until the two segments of the image divided by the 45 diagonal li

<Focusing with the Microprism Collar and Matte Screen >
Turn the Focusing Ring until your subject on the microprism collar or the matte screen appears sharp. It is n
in sharp focus if the image appears wavy on the microprism, or blurred on the matte screen.


ot
If you are using a lens with a large focal length or a relatively "slow" lens or taking close-ups with high
magnifications, focusing may be difficult because the microprism center will become dark. In such cases, focus
on the matte screen.4www.butkus.org


<Diopter Lenses >
If you are far- or nearsighted, special diopter lenses (Contax, optional) are available in eight diopters: - 5D, -
4D, -3D, -2D, OD, +1D, +2D and +3D. Choose one that suits your eyesight and fix it into the eye cup.




SHUTTER SPEED AND APERTURE
<Setting the Shutter Speed>

The shutter controls the time during which light reaches the film. If the Shutter Speed Dial is turned to a one
step higher number prom 125 to 250, for example), the amount of exposure will be reduced by half; if it is
turned to a one step lower number, the amount of exposure will be doubled. The numbers "1", "2",...... "1000"
on the dial represent 1, 1/2, ....... 1/1000 second, and the letter "B" is for bulb exposure. To set the shutter
speed, turn the Shutter Speed Dial and set the number you want opposite the index. Be sure to set it at the click
position.



<Setting the Aperture>
The aperture controls the amount of light that rea
higher number prom 4 to 5.6, for example), the amount of expos
one step lower number, the
ches the film. If the Aperture Ring is turned to a one step
ure will be reduced by half; if it is turned to a
amount of exposure will be doubled. The aperture not only controls the amount of
light, but allows you to take pictures by using the lens' depth-of-field effect (see page 50). To set the aperture,
an also be used.
The camera operates on manual exposure. At first, set the film speed. You can choose any appropriate
combination of shutter speed and aperture to obtain correct exposure.
If you press the Shutter Release Button halfway in, the exposure meter will switch on and an LED will turn on
in the viewfinder to indicate exposure. The LED will turn off as soon as you take your finger off the button.4www.butkus.org

As the exposure meter is based on a center-weighted system, always place your subject in the center of the
viewfinder for light metering.
turn the ring and set the number you want (with click) opposite the Aperture/Distance Index. Intermediate
settings c


EXPOSURE SETTING
Your camera features a center-weighted metering system which measures the light intensity with emphasis on
your subject in the center of the viewfinder. It also measures the brightness in the surrounding area.




Correct Exposure Only the green LED (a) turns on. If the green LED and a red (+) or (-) LED turn on at the
same time, it means slight over- or underexposure but you can go ahead and shoot. However, if you are using a
shutter speed of 1/30 sec. or slower, use flash or mount the camera on a tripod to prevent camera shake.


Overexposure Only the red ( +) LED turns on. It means your subject is too bright. Stop down the aperture or
use a faster shutter speed to turn on the green LED.

Underexposure Only the red (-) LED turns on. It means your subject is too dark. Open up the aperture or use a
slower shutter speed to turn on the green LED.

ired
ject. While looking through the viewfinder, turn the Focusing Ring to
iewfinder. If it turns on, take your picture by pressing the Shutter Release Button all the way in.
TAKING PICTURES
1. Set the shutter speed and aperture. 1 Turn the Shutter Speed Dial and Aperture Ring and set your des
values.

2. Focus the lens and frame your sub
focus and compose your picture.


Check the exposure and shoot. ~Press the Shutter Release Button halfway in and check if the green LED turns
on in the v



<Exposure Meter Coupling Range> The following chart shows the shutter speeds that are usable at different
ASA speeds.



If you reach the end of the film, the Film Advance Lever will no longer operate. Do not force it Check the
Exposure Counter to make sure the end of the
th
film is reached, wind the film back into its cassette and unload
e cassette. Send the exposed film for processing as soon as possible.

he Rewind Release Button located on the camera bottom. You need not keep pressing it.4www.butkus.org
t the Film Rewind Crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow. Stop winding if you feel a sudden
lease of tension, then open the Camera Back and take out the cassette.
1. Press in t

2. Fold ou
re

If there is a significant difference in brightness between the main subject and its background, you will not be
able to get correct exposure in the normal metering procedure. In this case, exposure compensation is
necessary.

<Taking Back lighted Subjects>

ies a large area of the picture frame (e.g.
portraits with a bright sky or sea in the background, subjects standing against a window, etc.), your subject will
y
xample: If the camera's exposure meter indicates F16 and 1/250 sec. to get correct exposure, make
compensation as follows:

If you are taking a back lighted subject or, if a bright background occup
turn out underexposed and dark. In such cases, give twice or four times as much exposure so that it is correctl
exposed.

E

Compensation with the Aperture Ring For 2X exposure compensation, turn the ring from F16 to F11, and
for 4X, to F8.4www.butkus.org

Compensation with the Shutter Speed Dial For 2X exposure compensation, turn the dial from 1/250 sec. to
1/125 sec., and for 4X, to 1/60 sec.



Taking Spotlighted Subjects>
a dark background occupies a large area of the picture frame (e.g. spotlighted subjects on a stage), on the
<
If
contrary, your subject will turn out
o
overexposed and light. In such cases, reduce the amount of exposure to half
r one-fourth so that it is correctly exposed.

Example:
If the camera's exposure meter indicates F4 and 1/60 sec. to get correct exposure, make compensation as
follows:

Compensation with the Aperture Ring For 1/2X exposure compensation, turn the ring from F4 to F5.6, and
for 1/4X, to F8.


for 1/4X, to 1/250 sec.
Compensation with the Shutter Speed Dial For 1/2X exposure compensation, turn the dial from 1/60 sec. to
1/125 sec., and



BULB EXPOSURE AND INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY
<"B" (Bulb) Exposure>
"B
If an exposure time of 1 second or longer is required, set the Shutter Speed Dial at
" (bulb). The shutter will remain open as long as the Shutter Release Button is kept depressed. To prevent
camera shake, mount the camera on a tripod and trip the shutter with a cable release (optional).


<Infrared Photography>
To take infrared pictures with black-and-white infrared film (using a red filter), compensation is necessary
because the point of focus slightly shifts from that in normal photography. Yashica ML lenses and Zeiss lenses
are provided with an infrared compensation mark on the depth of field scale (red dot on ML lenses and red line
on Zeiss lenses). (There is no such mark on reflection type lenses because they do not require compensation).
First, focus the lens without filter as you would do normally. Then fit on a red filter and move the distance set
on the Focusing Rig opposite the infrared mark and shoot.

If you are using color infrared film, follow the instructions packed with your film.


USING THE SELF TIMER


If you want to include yourself in the picture, mount the camera on a tripod and trip the shutter with the aid of
the self-timer.

1. First, focus the lens and set exposure.

2. Set the self-timer by pushing the Self-Timer Lever all the way down. (The self-timer can be set either before
or after advancing the film.)

3. Make sure the film has been wound and depress the Shutter Release Button. The self-timer will start and trip
e shutter in about 10 seconds.

If you are taking indoor or nighttime pictures, use a compact Yashica CS-202 Auto flash. It will give you
beautiful flash pictures.

th 4www.butkus.org

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

The Yashica CS-202 Auto is a system flash specially designed for use with the Yashica FX-3/FX-7 Super. With
this flash on the camera, a flash ready signal will automatically turn on in the viewfinder to indicate that the
flash is fully charged.

This flash signal
However, the automatic shutter spee
operate.
will also turn on with the Yashica CS-
201 Auto, Contax TLA20 or TLA30 on the camera.
d switching
function and direct TTL metering function will not

<Synchronizing Shutter Speeds>
uper has an X-contact hotshoe which allows flash synchronization at shutter speeds The Yashica FX-3/FX-7 S
of 1/125 sec. or slower.

<Using Other Flashes>
The camera's Accessory Shoe is a direct-contact hotshoe. You can use any other cordless type electronic
flashes and flash bulbs.

Use flash bulbs at shutter speed of 1/30 sec. or slower.

DEPTH OF FIELD
When the lens is focused on a subject, it will turn out sharpest in the picture. However, the zone of sharpne
e
depth of field of a lens and it varies as follows:

1

2. The long

3. The zone of sharpness behind the point the lens is focused on is wider than that in front of it. Further, a lens
with a shor

ss
xtends over a certain distance in front of and behind the point the lens is focused on. This is known as the
. The smaller the aperture, the wider the depth of field, and vice versa.
er the camera-subject distance, the wider the depth of field, and vice versa.
ter focal length has a wider depth of field than one with a longer focal length.

<Depth of Field Scale>
You can check the zone of sharpness on the Depth of Field Scale of your lens. If you are using a 50 mm normal
epth of field scale that the zone of sharpness extends lens and have set the aperture at f16, you will see the d
from about 2.7 m to infinity (see illustration).



CAMER
Do not leave the camera in a hot place (e.g.
e
allow it to cool to normal temperature before use.


and sand and dust may cause damage to the internal mechan

Remove dust and dirt on the lens and viewfinder eyepiece with a soft lens brush or blower brush. Remove
finger marks by wiping off lightly with lens

In case the mirror is soiled, dust off lightly with a lens brush. Al
A CARE
in direct sunlight, in a closed car, etc.) for too long a time, because
xcessive heat may adversely affect the film, batteries, or camera mechanism. If the camera has become too hot,
After shooting seaside or mountain scenes, clean the camera very carefully. Sea breezes may cause corrosion,
ism of the camera.
tissue.
ways take extra care to avoid scratches.4www.butkus.org

Do not subject the camera to abrupt temperature changes because moisture can condensate inside the camera
and cause faulty electrical contact.

To clean the camera body, wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Never use benzine, thinner and other solvents.

If you are not likely to use the camera for an extended period of time, remove the batteries and store it away
from heat and moisture.

Before you take your camera on a trip or for special events, be sure to check beforehand if it functions
normally.

Remember, the picture area that will appear on a certain size of print might be slightly smaller than that of the
negative.

To :take full advantage of the performance of this camera, it is advisable to use Yashica//Contax
interchangeable lenses and accessories specially designed for it. We may not be responsible for the trouble that
might occur as a result of use of other makers products.

SPECIFICATIONS
Type: 35 mm single-lens reflex camera with focal plane shutter.

Negative Size: 24 x 36 mm
Lens Mount: Contax/Yashica mount. Shutter Vertically running metal focal-plane shutter.
Shutter Speeds: B (bulb), 1 to 1/1000 sec. (12 steps).

Flash Synchronization: X contact hotshoe (synchronizes at 1/125 sec. or slower).
Self-Timer Mechanical with about 10-sec. delay. Shutter Release: Mechanical.

Exposure Metering: Through-the-lens, full-aperture center weighted light metering with SPD cell; manual
exposure with LED display; metering range: EV 2--18 (with ASA 100 and 50 mm F1.4 lens); ASA 12--1600
film speed range; exposure meter switch activated by pressing shutter release button halfway in.

Exposure Meter Power Source: Two 1.5 V alkaline (LR44) or 1.55 V silver oxide (SR44) batteries. 4www.butkus.org

Viewfinder: Eye-level, pentarism finder; 92% field of view and 0.91X magnification (with 50 mm lens at
infinity).

Focusing Screen: Split-image/microprism.

Viewfinder Information: Display of correct exposure, over- and underexposure with 3 LEDs; flash signal
indicating that the flash is fully charged.

Film Advance: Lever with 130 stroke and 20 stand-off.

Film Rewind: Film rewind crank. Exposure Counter Additive, auto reset. Dimensions: 135 (W) x 84.5 (H) x 50
(D) mm Weight: 445 9 (without batteries).

T Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.T